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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 11.5Ch. 4Art. 8§ 125451 False Information Penalty

§ 125451 False Information Penalty

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 125451 False Information Penalty

Key Takeaways

  • •Don't lie to cops or government workers doing their job—even a little lie can get you fined.
  • •First lie? Small fine ($75). Lie again after getting caught? Bigger fine ($500) or even jail time (up to 6 months).
  • •This rule is extra—you can still get in trouble for other crimes too, not just this one.

Example

You tell a police officer your dog is licensed when it’s not.

If the officer finds out you lied on purpose, you could get a $75 fine. If you lie again later, you might have to pay $500 or go to jail.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 125451 False Information Penalty

No person shall give, either orally or in writing, information to a public officer or employee engaged in the enforcement of this article if that person knows that the information is false. A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75), except that a violation by a person, after a second conviction of a violation of this section, shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment. This section is in addition to, and does not supersede or limit, any and all other remedies, civil or criminal. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 990, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

false informationinfractionmisdemeanorpublic officer or employee

Related Statutes

  • § 120450.5 False Information Penalty
  • § 120450 Transit Fare Violation Penalties
  • § 120451 Transit Facility Violations
  • § 120452 Transit Guideway Trespass Penalties
  • § 125450 Transit Fare Violation Penalties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 125451.
View Official Source